Charleston City Council Meeting - October 14, 2025
Charleston City Council Meeting - October 14, 2025
The Charleston City Council met on October 14, 2025, to discuss a range of topics including proclamations, public comments, committee reports, and significant legislative items. Key actions included approving the MUSC overlay district, a BAR ordinance amendment, and advancing a transportation sales tax initiative. The meeting began with proclamations honoring Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day and ABVI Awareness Month. Public comments addressed cemetery surveys, MUSC overlay refinements, and historic preservation.
Proclamations
- Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day: October 13, 2025, was proclaimed as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Councilmember Appel read the proclamation, noting that breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is responsible for 98% of breast cancer deaths, and in 2025 an estimated 42,680 Americans and 685,000 people worldwide will lose their lives to MBC. Less than 13% of global breast cancer research funding is dedicated to MBC. Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, and Hispanic women face breast cancer as their leading cause of cancer death.
- ABVI Awareness Month: October 2025 was proclaimed as ABVI Awareness Month, recognizing the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired South Carolina (ABVI), founded on October 14, 1936, providing 89 years of services. Rates of vision loss are projected to double by 2030 due to an aging population and epidemics like diabetes.
Consent Calendar
- The council approved the consent agenda, which included routine items such as appointments and reappointments to boards and commissions (city housing authority, accommodations tax advisory committee, commission on the arts, code enforcement officers).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Anthony G. Bryant: Filed two lawsuits against U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Education, FBI, DEA, and others. He expressed concerns about being labeled a "paper terrorist" due to his litigation and comments on Israel and Gaza. He plans to file additional suits.
- Mohammed Idrees: Made a metaphorical comment comparing the council to a horseshoe and questioned the placement of a portrait of George Washington in the chamber.
- Anna B. Johnson (former Charleston County Council member, great-great-granddaughter of Plenty White, founder of Honey Hill in 1871): Requested a complete survey of the Honey Hill Graveyard on Stephen Washington Park property before further development. She noted a partial survey was done a year ago and welcomes planned amenities but wants the cemetery boundaries fully identified.
- Joe McGee (President of the Hollison Village Association): Proposed three refinements to the MUSC overlay ordinance: (1) require off-campus stormwater impact assessments and system improvements to mitigate flooding; (2) add 20-foot setbacks along Calhoun, Ashley, and Rutledge, limit building height at 261 Calhoun to 76 feet (7.5 stories), and contain tall buildings on the south side of Calhoun; (3) require a transportation plan for projects increasing traffic by more than 20%.
- Leeroy Davis: Asked for a complete survey of cemetery grounds, echoing Anna Johnson's request.
- Lisa Jones (Historic Charleston Foundation): Spoke in support of the MUSC overlay, though she would like further reductions in height and more public engagement on demolition requests. She also supported the BAR ordinance amendment (agenda item N1), which would allow applicants in the historical materials demolition district to voluntarily show future plans to BAR, a change she described as a "win-win."
Discussion Items
- Mayor's Presentation on Mission, Vision, and Values: Mayor Cogswell presented the results of a two-day staff retreat that developed a new mission, vision, and values for the city. The mission is "to provide exceptional public service and vital community infrastructure while preserving a commitment to people and place." The vision is "to envision a vibrant, livable, resilient community guided by civility and service." The core values are summarized as "ACEs": Accountability, Collaboration, Excellence, Stewardship, and Service. No council action was required.
- E-Bike/E-Motorcycle Regulation Discussion: Councilmember Greg raised concerns about e-bikes and e-motorcycles (defined as exceeding 750 watts or 20 mph) on roads like Clements Ferry Road and even on I-526. He noted enforcement challenges due to state legislative inaction. Councilmember Seekings confirmed that the Traffic & Transportation (TNT) committee will address e-bike regulation this calendar year, working with the police chief to ensure enforceability. Councilmember Appel noted e-bikes are increasingly used on the greenway and bike way. Councilmember Mitchell urged a holistic approach that includes motorized skateboards. The council agreed to take up the issue in stages.
- MUSC Overlay District (Second Reading): The council approved the MUSC overlay ordinance as amended (a scrivener's error corrected). Councilmember Greg thanked the mayor, staff (Josh Martin), and MUSC for collaboration. Councilmember Seekings emphasized that the overlay is just the beginning, with future steps including individual building designs, and noted that Calhoun Street is the future home of Lowcountry Rapid Transit, with $3 million in traffic studies already invested. He stressed the need to address water management in the corridor, citing impassable streets during flooding. The mayor thanked all parties for compromise.
- BAR Ordinance Amendment (First Reading): The council gave first reading to an amendment allowing applicants in the historical materials demolition district to voluntarily show future plans to the BAR, making demolition approvals easier for preservation.
Key Outcomes
- Approved: Consent agenda items including appointments and reappointments.
- Approved: Amendment to Chapter 5 of the city code to permit microchipping by animal shelter personnel (from Public Safety Committee).
- Approved: Public Safety Committee report including authorization for acquisition of 22 acres for Fire Station 20 (by any legal means, up to condemnation), citing critical life safety needs on the Cainhoy Peninsula.
- Approved: Community Development Committee report (HARC legislation deferred; zoning ordinance changes and building site sales resolution advanced).
- Approved: Public Works and Utilities Committee report, including an update on Church Creek flood mitigation projects. The city has acquired flood-damaged properties (e.g., Bridgepoint townhomes, properties on Wolk and Mowler) with FEMA and National Fish & Wildlife Foundation grants, converting them to flood storage and ecological benefit. Parks are installing playground equipment and walking trails. Purchases for additional land near Crosstown Church are expected this year. The TIF district for stormwater improvements in the Church Creek Basin holds between $10 and $25 million.
- Approved: TNT committee items: (1) adoption of a Target Zero resolution related to the Safe Streets initiative; (2) traffic calming applications at Grand Bay Lane and Timberline Drive on Johns Island; (3) appointment of Eliza Story as a code enforcement officer.
- Approved: HR committee report as amended.
- Approved: Ways & Means committee report as amended.
- Adopted (Second Reading): MUSC overlay ordinance (M1) as amended, and three other ordinances. The bills will become ordinances after engrossment for ratification.
- Approved (First Reading): Amendment to BAR ordinance allowing voluntary future plann submission by demolition applicants.
- Next Steps: TNT will continue discussions on the transportation sales tax initiative and e-bike regulation. The Church Creek TIF district funds will be used for further stormwater projects. The public is encouraged to engage on transportation sales tax priorities.
Meeting Transcript
I'd like to call this October fourteenth, two thousand twenty-five meeting of City Hall, City Council to order. Madam Clerk would please call the roll. Councilmember Greg. Here, Councilmember Sheeley. Here, Councilmember McBride, Councilmember Mitchell, Councilmember Brady, President, Councilmember Gregory, Councilmember Waring, Councilmember Seekings, Councilmember Tinkler, Councilmember Balden, Councilmember Appel, Councilmember Parker, Mayor Cogswell. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. In light of recent events, I'd like to throw it to my buddy Councilmember Appel this evening. All right. Come on up, man, you got front and center. This is honoring uh metastatic breast cancer awareness day. Whereas breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women and metastatic breast cancer or MBC, where when cancer spreads beyond the chest is responsible for 98% of breast cancer deaths with no known cure. And whereas in 2025, an estimated 42,680 Americans and 685,000 people worldwide will lose their lives to MBC, yet less than 13% of global breast cancer research funding is dedicated to this stage. And whereas increased investment in MBC research is critical to developing better treatments and transforming it from a terminal illness into a survival survivable condition. And whereas black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, and Hispanic women face breast cancer as their leading cause of cancer death, underscoring the urgent need for equity in research and care. And whereas meta avi medium, is that the right pronunciation? Meta Avior Research and Support Funds, Stage 4 MBC Research, MetaViver. Okay, guys, I need to take reading lessons. Apologies for that. Metavir Research and Support Fund Stage 4 MBC Research and the Global Light Up MBC campaign raises awareness each October 13th by illuminating landmarks worldwide in teal, green, and pink to honor lost lives and inspire hope. And whereas the city of Charleston proudly joins the MBC community in raising awareness and advocating for research that saves lives. Now, therefore, I William S. Cogswell Jr., mayor of the City of Charleston to hereby proclaim October 13th, 2025 as metastatic breast cancer awareness day. Thank you. It'll look great. It'll look really good. You want to say a few? I just wanted to say thank you so much. Yep, thank you. Let's get a picture. Sorry, I'm here. Pay you back for mispronouncing the name. Thank you so much. All right. We got them, right? Association Blind, come on up. Where's she going? She is taking. Whereas the visual health of our residents is essential to the continued well-being and vitality of our families, businesses, and communities. And whereas rates of vision loss are projected to double by 2030 as the population ages and as epidemics like diabetes surge. And whereas the city of Charleston recognizes that access to education, skills training, and support services is essential for the health, safety, and functionality and continued well-being of our residents who are blind or have low vision. And whereas the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired South Carolina, ABVI, a 501c3 founded on October 14th, 1936, has provided services to help individuals who are blind who have low vision develop skills to live safe, independent, and rewarding lives for 89 years. And whereas ABVI provides vision, specific adaptive training skills for South Carolinians with visual disabilities at facilities in the low country, the Midlands, and the Ustate, as well as through in-home community-based and virtual trainings. And whereas the month of October includes National World Sight Day on October 9th, ABVI's birthday on October 14th, and National White Cane Day on October 15th. And whereas an observance of October is ABVI Awareness Month will help raise awareness of visual disabilities, the challenges individuals with visible visual disabilities face daily, the capabilities of individuals who are blind or have low vision, particularly in the workplace, and the importance of vision rehabilitation in our community. And ABVI Awareness Month and urge citizens throughout the city of Charleston to join in the celebration and work together to increase understanding of blindness, visual impairments, and to raise awareness of the need for appropriate and accessible vision education skills and training services. So this is to note that October is ABV Visual Awareness Month. Come on up. Come on up. It's pretty well covered in the proclamation, but I'll say it's always an honor to be recognized, but especially on your birthday, 89 years.
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